Randy Suits

Overcome and Be Not Afraid

My precious Ewa, such sweet comfort to my soul,

“Be not afraid. It is I,” said Jesus when they mistook him for a ghost as he walked on the water toward their boat. They were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a tempestuous storm tossed their small craft. Jesus had sent the disciples ahead to the other side of the lake where the storm interrupted their journey. This is when Peter asked the Lord to tell him to walk on the water like his master. Jesus told him to come to him. Peter stepped out and began walking on the water in obedience to Jesus but he began to look about at the storm and in doubt began to sink in the water. Jesus reached out and pulled him up, then upbraided him saying, “Why did you doubt? Oh! You of little faith.”
At first glance it appears that our lord was extreme in his scolding remark. Closer examination will uncover the concern of Jesus, the master, for his servant Peter. Christ was looking to the day when He would return to the Heavenly Father and Peter would live or die in his faith. Walking on water was child’s play in comparison to preaching the gospel, teaching the lost, healing the sick and raising the dead. The dangers of the storm and sea that day were hardly comparable to the beatings, stoning’s, miraculous escapes, imprisonment and treachery of the enemies of the disciples and servants of Jesus Christ the risen Savior. See how Jesus taught his disciples. Does not even a meek and loving mother scold her children when she teaches them the serious issues of life? And he was also like a father as he trained his servants with a firm hand.
Jesus scolds and upbraids all his children through all generations. Each stern command has a life principal to be learned and understood for present and future benefit. The benefits include safety, health, happiness, wisdom, knowledge, understanding and problem solving.
Often he seems overly protective or firm when he disciplines or corrects us, but he disciplines those whom he loves. Let us be thankful that his attention is directed toward us. That is the true measure of love. He has placed boundaries around us to protect us from enemies and to assure our safety and wellbeing. When he instructs, we are bound to obey. As we obey, we find that we are under a protective umbrella of faith that will keep us through calamity.  In this spiritual condition we can overcome and be not afraid.

The grace, peace and wisdom of Christ abide with you, in you and upon you forever, Kochany